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Esmeralda Golf Course offers wide fairways on Spokane’s east side

Esmeralda Golf Course is the city’s most beginner-friendly layout. Opened in 1956 on old apple orchard land, the course spreads across flat ground in the Hillyard neighborhood. Broad fairways, limited water, and only a few trees in play make the walk kind to new players, yet quick greens still test a short game.

Esmeralda Golf Course Fast Facts

Holes and par

18 par 70

Back tee yardage

6 330 yards

Course rating and slope

68.3 113

Designer

City of Spokane parks crew, 1956

Practice

Driving range, putting green, chipping area

Setting

Flat former orchard with mountain views

Esmeralda Golf Course Overview

Esmeralda sits on sandy loam that drains fast, so it opens earlier each spring than many inland courses. Fairways run mostly parallel which keeps wayward drives in sight and playable. Small poplars line some holes, yet there is room to recover. Only one pond appears, guarding the sixteenth green. Greens average five thousand square feet and feature gentle slopes that reward firm approach shots. Because the track is flat, walkers outnumber riders on most days. The city mows rough to two inches to help pace of play, and rounds often finish in under four hours.

Hole-by-Hole Highlights

Hole

Par • Yards

Note

2

4 • 370

Dogleg left, large bunker guards lay-up zone.

4

3 • 170

Green slopes back to front; stay below the cup.

7

5 • 515

Reachable when summer turf is firm.

9

4 • 425

Tough drive between two rows of poplars.

11

3 • 150

Smallest target on course protected by three traps.

13

4 • 395

Index one, creek left of green collects mishits.

16

3 • 185

Only water carry; wind can change club choice.

18

4 • 360

Short closer with welcoming fairway and large green.

Amenities and Practice

A grass driving range offers up to two hundred yards of flight. A large putting green sits beside the first tee, and a small chipping area with bunker stands behind the clubhouse. PGA staff give lessons and run junior camps each summer.

Food & Beverage

The on-site snack bar sells breakfast burritos, hot dogs, and cold drinks. Outdoor seating faces the ninth green so players can watch groups finish the front side.

Rates, Booking, Local Tips

City weekday rate is thirty eight dollars for eighteen holes walking. Weekend rate is forty three. Twilight after two o’clock drops the fee to twenty eight. Power carts cost eighteen per rider. Tee times open seven days ahead online or by phone. Greens break toward the Spokane River to the west even when they look level, so trust that line. Afternoon winds add carry on holes twelve through fifteen which play down breeze toward Beacon Hill.

Final Word on Esmeralda Golf Course

Esmeralda combines a flat walk, wide landing areas, and steady greens to create a gentle introduction to Spokane golf. Low green fees, quick rounds, and a friendly staff keep locals and visitors returning season after season.

This course is one of many featured in the Washington Golf Directory. Your guide to Washington State public golf courses, local driving ranges, and weekend-worthy golf getaways. Whether you’re playing nine before work or planning a road trip across the state, we’re here to help you explore more golf, one course at a time.